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Ankle Injury Forces Warner Out of Oiler Game

Running back Curt Warner will miss the Seattle Seahawks' National Football League wild-card playoff game in Houston because of a badly sprained left ankle, Coach Chuck Knox said Monday.

"It's a four-week injury," Knox said.

Warner, who was on crutches Monday, sprained his ankle Sunday in Seattle's 41-20 loss to the Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. The Seahawks gained an American Football Conference wild-card spot Saturday when the Cleveland Browns beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

The Seahawks and Oilers play Sunday in Houston. Both teams finished the regular season with 9-6 records.

Three other Seattle players, including starting cornerback Terry Taylor, are listed as "very, very questionable" by Knox for the Houston game. The other injured Seahawks are backup wide receiver Paul Skansi and backup strong safety Paul Moyer. Taylor has an ankle injury. Moyer and Skansi have shoulder injuries. All were hurt in Kansas City.

"We're banged up more so than probably we've been at any time this year," Knox said.

Knox said he has "a number of ways to go" to replace Warner. He said he could start regular fullback John L. Williams or reserve fullback Eric Lane at running back, with rookie Tony Burse or Lane being used at fullback if Williams is moved to running back.

"We're not sure yet,' Knox said when asked if he would use the 226-pound Williams at running back.

Warner carried 234 times for 985 yards and 8 touchdowns this season, and Williams rushed 113 times for 500 yards and 1 touchdown.